Proudly bringing you Equelle

We’ve been searching for better women’s health solutions. In the United States, menopause in particular, has been overlooked and underserved for too long. Women are still searching for a hormone-free approach that they can trust.

That’s why we’re proud to offer S-equol, a plant-based ingredient backed by decades of scientific, with Equelle.

Equelle uses the same powerful plant-based ingredient that’s giving menopause relief to so many women in Japan.

S-equol — from chance discovery to menopause relief

S-equol is a soy-based compound naturally produced by some women in the gut. While researching various ingredients from soybeans, scientists in Japan discovered that women who produce S-equol experience more mild menopause symptoms because S-equol mimics estrogen in the body. However, only about 1 in 5 women in the United States naturally produce S-equol and these women are unable to produce enough S-equol to fully alleviate menopause symptoms.

Using a patented fermentation process, S-equol is produced from soybeans. Over time, numerous clinical trials were conducted to assess efficacy and safety among women taking S-equol, and when successful, in 2014 Equelle was launched in Japan. Since launch in Japan, Equelle has become the most popular non-prescription menopause solution among Japanese women and health care practitioners.

  • First demonstration that S-equol can be used in estrogen-mediated conditions.

  • Soy flour consumption linked to menopause symptom reduction.

  • Lactic acid bacteria that produces S-equol identified in fermented soybean germ

  • Higher S-equol production linked to reduced menopause symptoms.

  • Double-blind trials to assess efficacy and safety among women taking S-equol were completed.

  • Equelle launches in Japan

  • Equelle launches in U.S.

  • Clinical trial assessing multiple menopausal symptoms including sleep in a U.S. population

  • Clinical results presented at North American Menopause Society Annual Meeting showing the first efficacy data on sleep

Meet the Equelle Team of Medical Advisors

Tomomi Ueno, MS
Tomomi Ueno, MS

Tomomi Ueno is a plant chemist and
has been researching soy isoflavones and equol to promote women’s health for 26 years at the Saga Nutraceuticals Research Institute at Otsuka Pharmaceutical in Japan. Ms. Ueno has been influential in the research and development behind Equelle and was a part of the team that brought Equelle to market. Ms. Ueno earned her Master’s degree in Plant Physiology in the Graduate School of Science from Kumamoto University.

Dr. Susan Mitmesser, PhD Nutrition Biochemistry
Dr. Susan Mitmesser, PhD Nutrition Biochemistry

Susan is Vice President of Science & Technology at Pharmavite, the makers of Nature Made. As a leading biochemist, Dr. Mitmesser specializes in analyzing the scientific integrity of the ingredients to ensure optimum product function and efficacy. With her research, she helps drive long term, innovative solutions in women’s health including in the field of menopause. Pharmavite. Equelle is a part of Pharmavite's women's health division. She holds a PhD in Nutrition Biochemistry from the University of Nebraska and a Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Shigeto Uchiyama, Pharmacist
Shigeto Uchiyama, Pharmacist

Shigeto Uchiyama is a pharmacist specializing in women's health care certificated by the Japan Society for Menopause and Women's Health.  Mr.  Uchiyama has been researching soy isoflavones and Equol since 1996 at the Saga Nutraceuticals Research Institute at Otsuka Pharmaceutical in Japan. Mr. Uchiyama was a part of the team that developed Equelle and has been a key contributor to the research and development behind Equelle. Mr. Uchiyama earned his Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Graduate School of Science from Kumamoto University.